Thoughts on MK5 R32?
Discussion
Evening chaps. I'm seriously considering one of these as my next purchase. Currently driving a Scirocco 2.0 GT which does nothing wrong but the engine is just so bland and has no character. I'm also tired of the front tyres scrambling for grip when the roads are a bit greasy.
Thoughts have turned to swapping it for a nice R32 with the DSG box. I used to own a manual MK2 Audi TT with the same 3.2 lump and it was an absolute peach. The exhaust note on the R32 seems even more evil and I do miss the traction of the haldex system.
Are there any owners (past or present) on here who can share their experiences? It seems like the price of these are on the up. I was hoping to get a nice 2008 3 door model with DSG and sub 70k miles for around £10k. It seems like that's not going to happen in the current market. Unmolested examples with good history and lowish mileage seem increasingly rare. The going rate for my spec seems to be £11k to £13k, with some super low mileage ones priced at £15k! Would rather have a nice Mk6 Ed35 for that price!
Thoughts have turned to swapping it for a nice R32 with the DSG box. I used to own a manual MK2 Audi TT with the same 3.2 lump and it was an absolute peach. The exhaust note on the R32 seems even more evil and I do miss the traction of the haldex system.
Are there any owners (past or present) on here who can share their experiences? It seems like the price of these are on the up. I was hoping to get a nice 2008 3 door model with DSG and sub 70k miles for around £10k. It seems like that's not going to happen in the current market. Unmolested examples with good history and lowish mileage seem increasingly rare. The going rate for my spec seems to be £11k to £13k, with some super low mileage ones priced at £15k! Would rather have a nice Mk6 Ed35 for that price!
And by contrast I'm on my second and love them! Everyone knows they aren't the quickest thing but it depends what you are after. I like that they are a great cruiser, can have some fun when you want to, has a wonderful engine note, grip in winter weather, planted, relatively rare.
I think the m4 R32 is going up slowly but th mk5 are holding steady. You need £11k for sub 70k and 2008-2009 well cared for cars. There's a lot of cheaper cars out there which have been owned by people who can't afford the running costs or try to diagnose issues on an Internet forum, attempt to fix them themselves and then make something worse because they don't want to pay someone who knows what they are doing! Be patient and the right car will turn up.
I think the m4 R32 is going up slowly but th mk5 are holding steady. You need £11k for sub 70k and 2008-2009 well cared for cars. There's a lot of cheaper cars out there which have been owned by people who can't afford the running costs or try to diagnose issues on an Internet forum, attempt to fix them themselves and then make something worse because they don't want to pay someone who knows what they are doing! Be patient and the right car will turn up.
I agree with si_xsi there isn't much more to add apart from they sound great and it was the last of its kind. I very much doubt we will be seeing anything other than 2ltr boring 4 pots in warm hatches from now on. They are a great car but for some reason have a lot of haters.
They are not as slow as people make out either, they are not the quickest car but then they aren't the slowest. The dsg will do 0to60 sub 6 seconds if thats how you like to rate your speed and I know it's not super car performance but it's not bad for a family hatchback. Or if you look on fastest laps, here are the gti comparison laps, they are quicker than the gti that everyone says is the quicker car. You can compare against the ed30 too and see they are still quicker.
At the end of the day the best thing to do is go and drive one and make up your own mind. I love mine and plan on keeping it for a long time.
They are not as slow as people make out either, they are not the quickest car but then they aren't the slowest. The dsg will do 0to60 sub 6 seconds if thats how you like to rate your speed and I know it's not super car performance but it's not bad for a family hatchback. Or if you look on fastest laps, here are the gti comparison laps, they are quicker than the gti that everyone says is the quicker car. You can compare against the ed30 too and see they are still quicker.
At the end of the day the best thing to do is go and drive one and make up your own mind. I love mine and plan on keeping it for a long time.
logit said:
Currently driving a Scirocco 2.0 GT which does nothing wrong but the engine is just so bland and has no character. I'm also tired of the front tyres scrambling for grip when the roads are a bit greasy.
Would rather have a nice Mk6 Ed35 for that price!
Things would not improve with the ED35, on both fronts!Would rather have a nice Mk6 Ed35 for that price!
ChrisRS6 said:
All noise and no go.
I've had two...god knows why I bought another.
Dated, slow, thirsty.....was nice to own when they first came out circa 2006.
I kind of agree, had one nice sound, massively thirsty, heavy, average performance, and huge tax if you get a 56 plate or laterI've had two...god knows why I bought another.
Dated, slow, thirsty.....was nice to own when they first came out circa 2006.
Thanks for the views guys, it seems like the R32 does divide opinion somewhat. I had my first drive in one yesterday and can definitely see the comments about it not being that fast and not the sharpest tool.
But oh my, for me the engine was a real delight and the exhaust note really turned the drive in to a special occasion and really defines the car. Yes a turbo lump may be lighter, more powerful, and have better mpg, but they just don't have the same soul in my view. The search is definitely on for a nice example!
But oh my, for me the engine was a real delight and the exhaust note really turned the drive in to a special occasion and really defines the car. Yes a turbo lump may be lighter, more powerful, and have better mpg, but they just don't have the same soul in my view. The search is definitely on for a nice example!
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Coming from years of owning "older" cars to having a newish car (65 plate) I can sympathise with him, and agree with you that swapping for an R would be a massive mistake.All of my older cars have had character ... like my MK1 Leon Cupra R, Clio 182, Alfa GT etc etc, and they've taken a lot of personal investment, love and care to keep them in great condition.
Modern cars in the most part lack this character, and they don't seem to need the same involvement to keep them in good condition ...
For instance I've bought an Octavia VRS 230 DSG recently, fully loaded, and less than a year old, and I simply can't bond with it. As a product and a car it's fantastic, looks great (IMO), goes ok (screaming for a remap), refined, smooth, easy to drive and makes my hellish commute immeasurably easier ... But against all of my better judgement I've even taken it to have it cleaned by the local hand car wash, something I'd never have done with any of my previous cars.
Even when my Alfa GT went a few months back I spent about 6 hours cleaning, machine polishing, waxing it ready for the new owner, and I'd do that come rain, shine, even in -2 degrees. I can't say I'd do the same for the Skoda.
I'd actually looked at an R32 as a replacement for the Alfa, but decided I should get something newer with a warranty, and I couldn't justify the fuel costs ... But something about the car just appeals in a way a more modern car can't.
I had an 05 Audi A3 3.2 sport basically an R32. I loved the car, it was very basic really, but the engine was fantastic, not mega fast, but fast enough and not that tuneable, with a full stainless exhaust it sounded immense. I sold it last summer and bought a golf r mk6.
Its a different world inside it, fantastic place to sit. it does have a little warble, though I think thats an electronic noise piped in, but its so much nicer to drive generally. The 250bhp 3.2 felt like it was ready to go all the time, fairly hard work in traffic, however the R has been remapped to 320bhp and still happyily on the m1 and in town, but when you want the power, god its quick!
Id enjoy an occasional use R32 but not for everyday use
Its a different world inside it, fantastic place to sit. it does have a little warble, though I think thats an electronic noise piped in, but its so much nicer to drive generally. The 250bhp 3.2 felt like it was ready to go all the time, fairly hard work in traffic, however the R has been remapped to 320bhp and still happyily on the m1 and in town, but when you want the power, god its quick!
Id enjoy an occasional use R32 but not for everyday use
Had the option of a MKIV R32 (dealer principles own car) or a MKIV GTi 25th Anniversary - both same sort of miles (12kish if memory serves me right) and both mint.
I drove both, back to back on the same day. I used next to no fuel in the GTi while ripping around the A30 but half a tank in the R32 on near on the same route.
That alone made me choose the 25th Anni. However friends have brought mint R32's recently and I love the look of the MkIv over the Mk5. Not sure what it is, but the rear pipes being so close together at the back just make me think Clio.
With regards to the 25th, I cried when I had to sell her (company car did actually FORCE sale) and watch her drive off the road.
Number 0958 if anyone knows her whereabouts......
I drove both, back to back on the same day. I used next to no fuel in the GTi while ripping around the A30 but half a tank in the R32 on near on the same route.
That alone made me choose the 25th Anni. However friends have brought mint R32's recently and I love the look of the MkIv over the Mk5. Not sure what it is, but the rear pipes being so close together at the back just make me think Clio.
With regards to the 25th, I cried when I had to sell her (company car did actually FORCE sale) and watch her drive off the road.
Number 0958 if anyone knows her whereabouts......
ChrisRS6 said:
All noise and no go.
I've had two...god knows why I bought another.
Dated, slow, thirsty.....was nice to own when they first came out circa 2006.
I love comments like this. Slow compared to what? A DB9 is slow compared to an Avenatdor... Granted they are thirsty... find me a NA 3.2 V6 that isn't? Surely you don't buy a car like this for the economy.I've had two...god knows why I bought another.
Dated, slow, thirsty.....was nice to own when they first came out circa 2006.
The R32 just doesn't feel particularly fast because the power delivery is very linear, and yes, they are quite heavy. The new Golf's - great they are quicker, but no character, boring 2.0 engines, fake exhaust notes, and MK7 R's are literally everywhere on the roads. No thanks.
OP - hold out for the right one, it will be worth it in the long run, especially if you plan to keep the car long term. I was quite stubborn on holding out for the spec I wanted, and ended up flying to the other end of the country to pick it up.
It's an 11 year old car now yet it continues to turn heads. You just don't see many around and that sound.
All the best with finding a good example. Last time I looked someone was selling a sub 20k miles one on here, ££££ though. One bit of advice would be to find a reputable garage that know what they are doing. Even VW don't seem to be clued up on these cars. Plenty of stories across the forums about owners experiences with VW and supposedly good independent VW garages!
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I ran an R32 for 7 years & I loved every minute.I then treated myself to an R with the intention of keeping both. Sold the R32 after six months when I realised I was taking the R over the R32 every time.
R32 is magic & looks more "all that" than the R.
Depends what you're looking for, but I found the R32 dull to be honest, everyone raves about the engine but I found it unimpressive. A 4 pot turbo for me will always be more interesting to drive than an NA V6, easier to tune (if you're in to that) and more economical.
What are you looking for is the question I suppose - if you just want a quicker version of your current car go lease an R or buy a more recent gti. No harm in broadening your horizons and having a look around to see if something else suits you better - I wanted to like the R but in the end several things didn't stack up and a different car ended up suiting me better.
What are you looking for is the question I suppose - if you just want a quicker version of your current car go lease an R or buy a more recent gti. No harm in broadening your horizons and having a look around to see if something else suits you better - I wanted to like the R but in the end several things didn't stack up and a different car ended up suiting me better.
Loved mine, owned it for 2 years.
Echoing most comments above, for the money you can get a lot faster but the R32 jsut had so much character - a 3.2 rammed into a car designed for a 2.0tdi is something to experience while good examples are still here. I agree on them 'not being that fast' but as already said it depends what your comparing them to. The power delivery is very linear and smooth, and gives the illusion your not going quick untill you look at the speedo.
Only annoyance i had was a flat spot around 4-5k revs in 4th or 5th gear if i remember rightly.. apparently a remap smooths it out though. The grip is amazing, i ran PS3's on it and it just felt like it was on rails. It was a high spec 2009 car in Tornado Red, i looked for 7 months to find it. Dont go down the milltek option, in my opinion they sound crap - i had one on and it came back off after 2 months because the drone got on my tits.
I've replaced it with my C63 now, and even though the AMG is not even comparable performance wise i do miss the R32 for different reasons. Petrol wise thier more or less exactly the same (270miles to a tank in the R32, 240/260ish in the C63) , as is the tax. Getting fizzy when driving the C63 makes me realise how much you take four wheel drive for granted mind you!
Noticed that my R32 is for sale on Ebay to. It really was absolutely mint, i babied that car! Hope its still in the same condition (judging by the pics it is although i see a little wear on the drivers seat, which wasnt there when i p/x'd it with Mercedes Warrington). Good luck and just get one - you wont regret it!
Echoing most comments above, for the money you can get a lot faster but the R32 jsut had so much character - a 3.2 rammed into a car designed for a 2.0tdi is something to experience while good examples are still here. I agree on them 'not being that fast' but as already said it depends what your comparing them to. The power delivery is very linear and smooth, and gives the illusion your not going quick untill you look at the speedo.
Only annoyance i had was a flat spot around 4-5k revs in 4th or 5th gear if i remember rightly.. apparently a remap smooths it out though. The grip is amazing, i ran PS3's on it and it just felt like it was on rails. It was a high spec 2009 car in Tornado Red, i looked for 7 months to find it. Dont go down the milltek option, in my opinion they sound crap - i had one on and it came back off after 2 months because the drone got on my tits.
I've replaced it with my C63 now, and even though the AMG is not even comparable performance wise i do miss the R32 for different reasons. Petrol wise thier more or less exactly the same (270miles to a tank in the R32, 240/260ish in the C63) , as is the tax. Getting fizzy when driving the C63 makes me realise how much you take four wheel drive for granted mind you!
Noticed that my R32 is for sale on Ebay to. It really was absolutely mint, i babied that car! Hope its still in the same condition (judging by the pics it is although i see a little wear on the drivers seat, which wasnt there when i p/x'd it with Mercedes Warrington). Good luck and just get one - you wont regret it!
Edited by irfan1712 on Monday 30th January 16:49
I've owned my MK5 R32 for 7 years, and its a great car.
4wd stopped working last week due to a fault on the controller, and because there was no 4wd or traction control, the thing was wheel spinning in 3rd...!
If your looking at buying for economy, don't..! as others have said, its a thirsty old lump.
Front wings rust and
Just bought a Audi A1 Black Edition with 170bhp, they are very close in performance, but the R wins on engine sound every time.
4wd stopped working last week due to a fault on the controller, and because there was no 4wd or traction control, the thing was wheel spinning in 3rd...!
If your looking at buying for economy, don't..! as others have said, its a thirsty old lump.
Front wings rust and
Just bought a Audi A1 Black Edition with 170bhp, they are very close in performance, but the R wins on engine sound every time.
Crafty_ said:
Depends what you're looking for, but I found the R32 dull to be honest, everyone raves about the engine but I found it unimpressive.
Pretty much that to be honest. The engine is both it's USP and it's biggest let down. It's a lot better with DSG though. The manual is a borderline snooze fest because it feels more like a BMW 330Ci to drive than the king of VW's hot hatches.It's probably one of the most frustrating engines I've ever experienced because I wanted to love it. Who wouldn't want to love a massive comedy engine like that in a little Golf?
It feels ridiculously over eager at around 2500rpm and throttle mapping is just silly. The first time you drive it, you think "Jesus this is quick" and then get it to 3500rpm and it's like, where's the rest of it then? Flat as fart up top.
It's therefore small wonder so many R32 owners find their way into Forced Induction land. The engine actually NEEDS it to have any kind of exciting edge to it.
Of course the TFSI/TSI cannot match it's singing voice, but who cares when it's disappearing off into the horizon. The R32 is all bark and no bite, whereas the 2.0 turbos are the exact opposite. And I speak from owning both.
SuperchargedVR6 said:
Pretty much that to be honest. The engine is both it's USP and it's biggest let down. It's a lot better with DSG though. The manual is a borderline snooze fest because it feels more like a BMW 330Ci to drive than the king of VW's hot hatches.
It's probably one of the most frustrating engines I've ever experienced because I wanted to love it. Who wouldn't want to love a massive comedy engine like that in a little Golf?
It feels ridiculously over eager at around 2500rpm and throttle mapping is just silly. The first time you drive it, you think "Jesus this is quick" and then get it to 3500rpm and it's like, where's the rest of it then? Flat as fart up top.
It's therefore small wonder so many R32 owners find their way into Forced Induction land. The engine actually NEEDS it to have any kind of exciting edge to it.
Of course the TFSI/TSI cannot match it's singing voice, but who cares when it's disappearing off into the horizon. The R32 is all bark and no bite, whereas the 2.0 turbos are the exact opposite. And I speak from owning both.
I have to agree with this, although the engine sound is amazing, its a real let down on the performance front.It's probably one of the most frustrating engines I've ever experienced because I wanted to love it. Who wouldn't want to love a massive comedy engine like that in a little Golf?
It feels ridiculously over eager at around 2500rpm and throttle mapping is just silly. The first time you drive it, you think "Jesus this is quick" and then get it to 3500rpm and it's like, where's the rest of it then? Flat as fart up top.
It's therefore small wonder so many R32 owners find their way into Forced Induction land. The engine actually NEEDS it to have any kind of exciting edge to it.
Of course the TFSI/TSI cannot match it's singing voice, but who cares when it's disappearing off into the horizon. The R32 is all bark and no bite, whereas the 2.0 turbos are the exact opposite. And I speak from owning both.
I had a 3.2 Audi with DSG, the thing was lightning quick off the line like no other car! Instant torque, 4WD and DSG but hit 3,000 and there is no "step up" at all in performance and it starts to feel a bit strangled, was very disappointed, on the motorway a 320d will see you off unless your in the right gear at the right time
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